The Farr Side: Martina McBride’s appeal goes beyond country

Thursday

Apr 24, 2014 at 2:30 PMApr 24, 2014 at 2:31 PM

By David T. FarrMore Content Now

Although I’m not a huge fan of country music, I’ve always had a soft spot for Martina McBride.Her voice is one of the most powerful to ever come from the genre, yet I always knew it was meant for wider appeal.McBride has been at the forefront of country music for more than two decades, recording some of the most memorable songs of the modern era, including “Independence Day,” “How Far,” “Concrete Angels,” “In My Daughter’s Eyes,” “A Broken Wing,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “Whatever You Say,” “I Love You” and “Anyway.” She’s had her share of crossover success into pop and adult contemporary without having to change the music. Her single, “Valentine,” with Jim Brickman, remains one of the most popular adult contemporary hits of all time.For her latest album, “Everlasting,” McBride chose to reflect on many of the songs that influenced her growing up. The album is filled with an eclectic group of pop and R&B songs not usually covered by country artists. Then again, McBride isn’t your typical country music artist.This is not her first trip down memory lane (2005’s “Timeless”), but it’s her first outside the country genre.“Everlasting” debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot 200 album chart last week, giving McBride her highest debuting album ever on the chart.The 12 tracks include covers from such artists as Aretha Franklin, Sam Cook, Otis Redding, Etta James and Elvis Presley. But don’t mistake this as another singer doing another “covers” album because they can and don’t assume she just threw in a bunch of twang because she sings country music. You’d be wrong on both counts. “Everlasting” is a true testament to the power of great soul and McBride flexes hers through all of these great classics.The album opens with a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” For most artists attempting the Queen Of Soul, this would be a deal-breaker, but McBride nails it. She does so by staying true to the song’s roots, particularly Dan Penn’s version.The next test came with Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.” Her stripped-down take on the classic soul man’s hit is superb.She pays homage to the Motown sounds of “Come See About Me,” “To Know Him Is To Love Him,” “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted,” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” – all of which are nicely done.McBride enlisted the help of Gavin DeGraw for Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me,” which is favorite of mine on the album. The two bring a whole new appreciation to the song for a new generation of music lovers.Kelly Clarkson joins McBride for the Etta James favorite “In The Basement,” to which I dare you not to get up and dance. The funky track is a welcome treat amid today’s manufactured sounds.David T. Farr is a Sturgis (Mich.) Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com. You can also find The Farr Side on Facebook.